WTM Africa 2026 brings AI focus and skills development to Cape Town
WTM Africa 2026 will run from 13 to 15 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with more than 70 sessions across three days. Organisers have released a programme that addresses artificial intelligence, workforce skills gaps, and emerging tourism segments.
Wine tourism gets dedicated track
The event introduces a new Wine Tourism Track developed with the Wine Tourism Conference. Sessions will examine how destinations can position themselves in the global wine tourism market, concluding with a documentary premiere and a Visit Stellenbosch tasting experience.
Skills and AI take centre stage
The programme addresses a core challenge for the sector: developing staff who combine digital capabilities with traditional tourism expertise. WiT Africa and Innovation City Cape Town will host a roundtable on leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.
The roundtable will bring together industry mentors and rising professionals under 35 to discuss the skills needed as travel becomes more tech-enabled. Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of WiT, said the session will focus on "the skills and traits they need to thrive as travel enters a new, tech-enabled and human-led phase."
MICE and sports tourism return
IBTM Africa returns to focus on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) launches in partnership with Nielsen Sports.
Speed Networking sessions will run alongside the formal programme. The Responsible Tourism Conference and Awards will continue as a central theme.
What attendees should expect
The event is structured to create both knowledge-sharing and business outcomes. Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager at RX Africa, said each session is "designed as a resource for attendees to learn, share knowledge, and better understand where their next big opportunities or pitfalls lie."
Cape Town expects to host tourism professionals, buyers and industry leaders from across the world. James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth, said the gathering allows the sector to grow collectively: "Tourism is a team sport, and we grow it together."
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